Real Madrid Masterclass Teaches Celtic Champions League Lesson

Carlo Ancelotti praised Real Madrid's resilience to deliver a second-half "masterclass" in winning 3-0 at Celtic to start their Champions League defence after a difficult first 45 minutes in which they lost Karim Benzema to injury. The Frenchman limped off with a knee problem after Celtic captain Callum McGregor had struck the post with the best effort of the first period. In Benzema's absence, Vincius Junior stepped up to open the floodgates with a classy finish 11 minutes into the second half.

Luka Modric's nonchalant finish quickly doubled the defending champions' lead before Eden Hazard struck to continue a 100 percent start to the season for Ancelotti's men.

"Here you suffer," said Ancelotti, who had not won in his three previous visits to Celtic Park as AC Milan manager. "Against this team, in this atmosphere, especially in the first half we suffered.

"In the second half we played very, very well. I am very satisfied. Games don't always go as you want, but this team knows how to suffer in the bad moments. The second half was a masterclass."

Celtic had begun the night with a perfect record this season, including a 4-0 demolition of local rivals and Europa League finalists Rangers on Saturday.

But in their first Champions League group match for five years, Ange Postecoglou's men were given a harsh lesson of the need to take their chances in the step up to the highest level in European football.

"Up until the 60 minute mark we were well in the game but you get punished at this level if you don't take their chances," said Postecoglou.

"We had the chances. What we learned today, we already knew that we have to be clinical in both boxes."

The return of the Champions League anthem was met by a guttural roar of 60,000